Bonaire Diving? 8 Epic Reasons to Book A Trip!

One of my favorite moments scuba diving in Bonaire was face-to-face with a puffer fish—it circled me, locked eyes, and held my gaze for what felt like ages. That’s the beauty of diving here—the fish are as curious about you as you are about them!

Diving in Bonaire is not a place for viewing massive marine life, but we did see sea turtles, spotted eagle rays (always a thrill!), and even a rare goliath grouper at 100’.

But here’s the thing: Bonaire scuba diving isn’t about the big stuff.

Does Bonaire have good diving? Yes! Bonaire’s magic lies in its buzzing underwater fish society. It’s like watching a real-life soap opera beneath the waves—cleaning stations, quirky courtship rituals, and surprising fish pairings that’ll have you hooked (pun intended). With few large predators around, the reef feels alive and utterly captivating.

The reef had one more surprise: brown encrusting sponges were spawning on an early morning dive, sending streams of what looked like underwater smoke into the water column.

Bonaire isn’t just another dive destination—it’s a bucket-list spot. It’s easy for beginning divers and engaging for advanced divers.

Bonaire has everything you could dream of vibrant coral reefs, easy shore access, and a laid-back island vibe.

Diving in Bonaire should be at the top of your scuba travel list.

Article Outline

1. Bonaire Diving Packages
2. Bonaire Diving Resorts
3. Stunning Reefs in a Protected Marine Park
4. Shore Diving Bonaire Made Easy
5. Unbeatable Water Clarity and Visibility
6. Perfect Diving Conditions for Beginners to Advanced
7. Eco-Friendly Diving Practices in Bonaire
8. Other “Don’t Miss” Adventures in Bonaire (For When You’re Not Diving)
9. A Few Last Thoughts

1. Bonaire Diving Packages

Planning your trip is easy with the variety of Bonaire diving packages available. Most resorts offer all-inclusive deals that combine accommodations, dive tanks, vehicle rentals, and sometimes even meals. Popular options include:

Unlimited Shore Diving Packages
Dive as much as you want, whenever you want. These packages are perfect for independent divers exploring Bonaire’s many accessible sites.

Boat Diving Add-Ons
While shore diving is Bonaire’s claim to fame, boat diving allows access to sites around Klein Bonaire and other remote areas.

Learn to Dive Programs
Are you new to diving? Many resorts offer beginner-friendly certification courses so you can explore Bonaire’s crystal-clear underwater world safely and confidently. This is a great location to acquire additional certifications like Nitrox or Advanced.

Pro Tips:

During the high season (December to April), book early and reserve your car/truck in advance.

Eating out is expensive; look for a package that includes food. We ate off-site once (for lunch); I paid $25 for a sandwich and two sodas. It was a darn good sandwich, though.

The island is very Dutch and still run by the Netherlands, unlike Aruba and Curacao, which have their own government but are still Dutch territories. Most people speak Dutch, English, and, if native, the local Creole language.

2. Bonaire Dive Resorts  

Bonaire is known for its all-inclusive dive resorts, which offer great amenities, including an on-site scuba shop, unlimited shore diving, food and drink, pools, and even essentials like rental dive trunks. These resorts make a dive trip much more cost-effective, with most everything included in the price.

I stayed at the Van Der Valk Plaza Beach & Dive Resort (also called “The Plaza”). This all-inclusive resort is ideal for families and groups and offers extensive diving facilities, dining, and entertainment. I loved it.

So far this is my “overall” favorite dive resort for location, Toucan dive shop, food, and ambiance. Honestly, I could have dove the house reef every day.

This resort also covers the practical side of scuba diving. It has large rooms and patios with drying racks for gear and clothes, plus an on-site truck rental agency for easy afternoon shore diving.

Buddy Dive Resort
Known for its friendly atmosphere and dive-focused amenities, Buddy Dive offers packages that include unlimited shore diving and vehicle rentals for easy site access.

Captain Don’s Habitat
A pioneer in eco-friendly diving, this resort blends comfort with a passion for marine conservation.

Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino
This resort features a full-service dive center and a lively ambiance, perfect for those seeking luxury and convenience.

If you are looking for a small, locally owned shop not attached to a resort, I recommend
4 Wheel Diving. I went on a two-tank underwater photoshoot dive with the owner. It was great fun, especially at their house reef around the desalination plant. It’s easily one of my favorite dive sites, and few people know about it. Bonus: I finally have a video and photos of myself scuba diving.

Pro Tips:

Many resorts offer nitrox for free, which extends your bottom time on shore dives!

Few gas stations are on the island, so be prepared to wait in line for gas.

Tipping always comes up; it’s different for everyone.  We had an excellent crew at Toucan Dive Center, and I tipped $10 per boat dive- which I gave them at the end of the week.

3. Stunning Reefs in a Protected Marine Park

Bonaire’s commitment to marine conservation dates back to 1979, when it established the Bonaire National Marine Park, STINAPA. The Islands National Park Foundation was founded in 1962. Because of decades of protection, the island boasts some of the healthiest reefs in the world.

The water here is so clear it’s like stepping into a natural aquarium—vibrant corals, playful fish, and even a few sea turtles cruising by.

Bonaire is home to over 470 fish species, from playful parrotfish to elusive seahorses and massive tarpons. The island’s incredible biodiversity makes every dive unique.

Lots of little invertebrates and loads of fish perfectly describe Bonaire scuba diving.

Observing fish behavior was my favorite part of diving Bonaire. Maybe because of the lack of large predators, the fish seemed to have more complex and unique behaviors here, which I haven’t witnessed on other Caribbean reefs.

Pro Tips:

Pay the $40.00 STINAPA national park fee online before you arrive. Print the QR Code and laminate it. I kept two copies, one in our rental truck and one in my dive bag (for boat dives). Expect to be asked if you paid the STINAPA park fee. Your money goes directly toward reef preservation.

Go on a night dive. If you are nervous about shore diving at night, book a trip with a local dive shop. Toucan Diving offers night dives (and snorkels) at least once a week.

Go to a local Manta Trust presentation about the Mantas of Bonaire and the Caribbean. It’s a fantastic non-profit organization based in Bonaire (along with other partners and locations) dedicated to educating and protecting these miraculous animals. Support the organization by making a donation or buying a t-shirt.

4. Shore Diving Bonaire Made Easy

Bonaire is known as the “Shore Diving Capital of the World.” With over 60 marked dive sites accessible directly from the shore, you don’t need a boat to experience underwater magic.

Just rent a truck, grab your gear, and dive. Scuba Dive shops have maps available for free.

We were diving with ScubaBoard (on their annual Invasion dive trip), and boat dives were included in our package. However, we wanted the Bonaire shore diving experience, so we rented a truck from our resort.

We parked and dove at both Angel City and the Invisibles dive sites. Shore diving has the big benefit of being free of time limits. We maximized each dive to well over an hour and a half and were able to spend more time in one area photographing the fish.

Favorite Dive Spots:

Don’t miss Salt Pier for stunning sponges, coral, and abundant fish on the pier and around the pilings. Be sure to check the Pier schedule when you get to Bonaire. If a ship is in port (to collect the salt), it is closed to the public. We were able to dive here on our last day. Otherwise, I would have done several dives at this location.

Hilma Hooker (yup, insert joke here). I Enjoyed this small wreck, especially the crazy rope sponges growing off it. I loved that the wreck was next to the reef – it just made for an overall favorite dive. In Florida, much time is spent in open water getting to and from a wreck (usually in 80-100’). With Bonaire’s sloping reefs, you slowly descend over the reef to the ship and then back to the reef as you slowly surface– it’s like getting two dives in one!

4 Wheel Diving has a house reef by the desalination plant; let me tell you, it’s a hidden gem. Does it have an official name? I have no idea. If you’re in the area, there are probably several easy-to-reach dive spots nearby—or go diving with 4 Wheel Diving. I did a photo dive with them and absolutely loved it!

Pro Tips:

Don’t leave anything in the truck; leave the windows down to prevent break-ins. Bonaire is a safe island, but trucks are known to be robbed when unattended. Pack a waterproof container for your rental car or truck keys.

Important! Be aware that some dive sites are easier to get in and out of than others. If you are concerned about this, have your dive shop mark the easy-access ones on your dive site map.

At Rappel, you jump a 20-foot cliff into the water and drift to exit at a different dive site. A divemaster at Toucan Dive Shop tried this and said it was a bad idea. We visited the site by boat.

For easy parking, entry, and exit, I recommend starting with Angel City and the Invisibles; Invisibles is where I had my puffer fish “moment.”

Support coral reef conservation initiatives and join in a conservation dive with Reef Renewal Bonaire

5. Unbeatable Water Clarity and Visibility

Bonaire’s water visibility is amazing, often exceeding 100 feet, making it a dream for divers and snorkelers alike. The crystal-clear water makes it easy to spot marine life and creates the perfect conditions for capturing stunning underwater photos.

The island’s typically mild currents and calm surface conditions allow photographers to take their time, whether a wide-angle scene or a macro close-up of a sexy shrimp. Plus, the island’s many shore dive sites mean you can access some incredible spots without needing a boat.

Pro Tips for Amateur Video/Photographers:

Bring a macro lens to capture Bonaire’s tiny marine life, like colorful nudibranchs and sexy shrimp.

For wide-angle shots, aim for early morning dives when the light is soft and the visibility is at its best.

Don’t miss the dramatic structures of the reef and sponge formations, especially at Salt Pier —they make for breathtaking compositions.

If you have a GoPro, get a two-handled tray (about $25 on Amazon); it holds the camera steady and captures the small fish and invertebrates on the reef.

My GoPro has an inexpensive tray and video light package (I bought it used from Amazon for $60.00), and a Backscatter macro lens. Eventually, I will upgrade to Backscatters tray and video light package.

6. Perfect Diving Conditions for Beginners to Advanced

What is the best time of year to dive in Bonaire? Bonaire’s excellent year-round diving conditions are a big part of its popularity with divers. It’s rare for a dive to be called off due to bad conditions.

Water temperatures range from 78-84°F (25-29°C) throughout the year, and visibility typically exceeds 80 feet (24 meters). The island’s trade winds keep the air temperature comfortable, averaging around 82°F (28°C).

Bonaire stands out with its dry, desert-like climate. It receives only about 20-22 inches of rain a year, making it one of the driest islands in the Caribbean.

The island’s location outside the hurricane belt means stable weather, with minimal risk of storms disrupting your plans.

7. Eco-Friendly Diving Practices

I was impressed Bonaire takes scuba sustainability seriously. It’s refreshing to see the divemasters are serious about protecting the reefs, and they aren’t afraid to correct you underwater to keep you from accidentally hitting the corals.  

Our resort requires reusable water bottles (bring your own or purchase on-site). We started our dive week with a short mandatory coral safety briefing. Reef-safe sunscreen (to protect coral health) is required. Dive shops encourage divers to stay mindful underwater to avoid damaging the reef, especially when an elusive seahorse is spotted. I witnessed photographers getting too close to the corals, which could damage the reef.

A local kid joked that Bonaire is boring. As a teenager, I might’ve agreed, but now? Several decades older than him, I loved the island’s remote feel.

It’s a unique place where nature is highlighted. There’s hardly any big development—no high-rises or over-the-top resorts. Bonaire’s laid-back, unpretentious vibe was another favorite part of my trip.

Pro Tips

Bring reef-safe sunscreen; this brand is made by a small business in the Florida Keys. Don’t buy the tinted version if you have a white bathing suit.

Bring an insulated water bottle to keep your drinks cold or warm. Add an XL carabiner to clip your water bottle to the boat rails. Added bonus the XL carabiner doubles as a handle for holding mask and fins for entering and exiting shore dives.

Make time for a reef renewal dive with Reef Renewal Bonaire and/or volunteer to work in their coral nursery (there usually is a charge but the money helps support their conservation efforts.)

With the high volume of scuba divers visiting Bonaire, it’s essential to recognize the impact of ecotourism on the reef and take mindful steps to minimize damage, such as practicing buoyancy control, avoiding contact with coral, and supporting reef conservation initiatives.

8. Don’t Miss Adventures on Bonaire (For When You’re Not Diving)

Bonaire has a few unique experiences for non-diving afternoons or days:

I didn’t spend much time in the “downtown” area; it seems to stretch over several blocks and is a mix of tourist shops, restaurants, and local businesses. It’s not as prominent or walkable as the historic downtown of colorful colonial Dutch buildings on the neighboring island of Curacao.

Help save the reef and eat an invasive species! Try a Lionfish wrap or burger at the Cactus Blue Food Truck, open from 11 am – 3 pm (the lionfish burgers are a local favorite). I hunt the invasive lionfish in Florida, the fish tastes delicious! It’s a mild-tasting fish, similar to hogfish or grouper.

Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire: Spend time feeding and learning about rescued donkeys. Do not miss this! The owner started this nonprofit foundation in 1993 to rescue the island’s donkeys and is passionate about their care.

She does not get any help from the government. Bring as many pieces of cut-up apples as you can share with the donkeys, or you will regret it (trust me, you cannot bring too many apples; ours may or may not have come from the resort buffet).  

The Sanctuary is enormous. Rookie mistake – don’t get pulled into the first group of Donkeys you see; as hard as it is, drive past them and stop to feed the donkeys farther away from the entrance.

If you don’t want to drive through the sanctuary, there is a smaller walkable area for donkeys on special diets, pregnant, or needing special care. This area is adjacent to the gift shop. You can visit the donkeys but not feed them in this area.

Also, the donkey sanctuary has a small gift shop full of unique local items (mostly related to the donkeys). Be sure to buy the little bags of salt from the gift shop for inexpensive souvenirs to bring home to friends and family (I bought 5, and everyone loved them).

Take a scenic drive to the Salt Flats and the island’s south side. You will be in awe of the surreal pink waters of the salt pans in contrast to the turquoise blue water across the highway. Drive past the Salt Flats to visit the historic slave quarters and lighthouse on the island’s southern tip. Make sure to watch for flocks of flamingos around the mangroves. It’s easy to pull over, on the side of the road, anywhere in this area to take photos.

Go kayaking with the Mangrove Info Center at Lac Bay—this is one of those “don’t miss” trips. Be sure to book ahead because the tours fill up quickly. It’s an awesome way to spend the afternoon after a morning dive. You’ll get to kayak and snorkel, spotting animals you won’t find around the island’s reefs. The area is also home to wild birds and flamingos, and I heard you might even see baby sharks since their mothers give birth in these mangroves. In 2018, they added a wild bird sanctuary, though it’s not open to the public.

Explore Washington Slagbaai National Park, which offers Scuba Diving, hiking trails, flamingos, and secluded beaches. However, I did not explore this park; portions of it and all the surrounding dive sites were closed for rehabilitation. Additionally, a 4-wheel drive vehicle is recommended.

9. A Few Last Thoughts: Bonaire is Calling You

Whether you’re here to scuba dive Bonaire’s famous reefs or soak up its unique culture and natural beauty, this island has a way of leaving you with experiences you’ll never forget

Want a sneak peek at what to expect? You can check out videos from Bonaire on Instagram and TikTok under @reesehwanderwild or #reesehwandwild.

Bookmark this site, follow my adventures on social media @reesehwanderwild, and let’s keep exploring together.

See you back here soon!

Remember, the best stories happen underwater.